Kai Yang Men (开秧门) Festival: Sowing Seeds of Culture and Prosperity
“The gates are open, let the planting begin!” On 23 May 2024, with loud shouts from the Yiang Officer (played by villager Jifan Yang (杨吉繁) and the resounding clash of gongs, the Bai farming festival Planting Meeting officially commenced in Qifeng Village (起凤村) in Fengyu Town (凤羽镇), Eryuan County (洱源县) of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州). Led by the Yiang Officer, the Bai people carried the planting flag, shouldered their planting poles, and marched with seedlings through the terraced fields to the lively beats of drums, celebrating the festival.
The Kai Yang men is a vital ceremony during the rice transplanting season, featuring a variety of traditional folk activities such as sacrificial offerings, Bai ethnic singing, the Ba Wang Bian (霸王鞭, Rattle Stick Dance), planting competitions, and the distribution of steamed buns and candies, all adding fun to the busy farming season.
Qifeng villagers explained that Kai Yang Men forms a part of the broader cultural spectacle known as Tian Jia Yue (田家乐, field family music) a traditional grand drama in the Fengyu region dominated by community participation. Tian Jia Yue features characters representing different societal roles—fishermen, woodcutters, farmers, scholars, and merchants—and promotes values such as filial piety and bravery. The Kai Yang Men event specifically focuses on praying for favorable weather and celebrating the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, reinforcing the cultural fabric of the community.
After a five-year break due to the pandemic, this event was spontaneously organized by the villagers for the first time since 2018. It achieved considerable media attention, with features by both Dali Daily and national broadcaster CCTV News, highlighting its importance and the community’s enthusiasm. For more details, you can view the CCTV coverage here：